Journalists risk lives to report the news

Recently the world has had its eyes on Egypt and the unfolding revolution.

However, it would be impossible for us to see the country's actions if it wasn't for reporters.

These journalists have been brutally attacked by protesters and have risked their lives to report news back to America and the world.

This behavior from protesters in Egypt is nothing new.

Journalists have fallen victim to brutal attacks, torture, imprisonment and death in foreign countries for decades.

These acts of harassment have onlookers wondering if risky journalism to this extent is worth it.

As journalists at the Chronicle, we believe that although there might be great risk when reporting, it's our job to expose the facts and inform the public of current events.

When most people see journalists being attacked, they wonder why anyone would want to risk their life to report the news.

But what we have to remember is that with almost every occupation there comes a great amount of risk, and without people willing to take those risks, society wouldn't be able to function.

Even though we may not experience life-threatening mob attacks here at Richland, there may be situations that challenge us as journalists and put us in situations we may not be particularly comfortable with.

However, as members of the student press, it is our responsibility to report the news to the campus and do it to the best of our abilities.

The best stories are captured by journalists who aren't afraid to take risks.

If you take a moment to think about the most interesting stories you've read in the paper or seen on the news, chances are those stories were reported by journalists who had to step out of their comfort zone to get them.

But the fact that you remember a story, that it stands out and that you've been able to recall it as the most interesting, is precisely why journalists do what they do.

Anderson Cooper and other journalists have the same responsibility.

Seeing the violent videos of the reporters (camera men included) being attacked by swarming crowds who are throwing rocks and punches can be a deterrent to aspiring journalists.

Nevertheless, there are thousands of journalism majors and reporters all around the world, watching these reporters risk all they have to report the news. In many cases, the events are viewed as inspirational.

Firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line every day, and realize the risk they are taking.

Journalists, especially those who travel overseas, are no different. When choosing the occupation, they are aware of the consequences.

A common answer among journalists about why they risk so much to report is that "communication is a common instinct."

When you find a nugget of information that has potential to affect many people, like the protests in Egypt, it almost seems to be a reaction to want to turn around and inform everyone around you about what you've just found out.

Alerting those around you of a situation is natural. When prey senses danger, a typical reaction is to run. By doing so, they alert the rest of the herd. Journalism isn't much different.

We also believe that journalists should have the option to go to foreign countries and report, but they shouldn't be forced into risk-filled environments. There are many reporters who will jump at the opportunity to go to the front lines of an event just for the experience and the adrenaline rush, while there are others who would rather stay local.

Violence against journalists can make it extremely difficult to cover some of the world's most important stories.  

In countries where the government does not provide security for their journalists or support them, like Afghanistan and Somalia, reporters are on their own.

In many cases, journalists in foreign countries are told what to report and if they don't report it exactly as specified, it can cost them their lives.

Usually, these stories end up being false, basically rumors and are extremely unreliable sources of information. These fabricated stories are typically published to embellish the image of the government and to hide disturbing truths from citizens.

In America, we're extremely fortunate to have freedom of the press and qualified journalists who take the risk to report the news.